INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The University of Charleston women's volleyball team concluded its 2024 season with a straight-set loss to Wheeling University in the quarterfinal round of the MEC Women's Volleyball Tournament on Friday night. The Golden Eagles battled in each set but ultimately fell by scores of 23-25, 17-25, and 16-25.

The Basics:
Location: Walker Convocation Center
Score: 3-0 (L)
Records: UC 25-8 (12-3 MEC), Wheeling 25-10 (12-2 MEC)

How it Happened:
In the opening set, Charleston (25-8, 12-3 MEC) kept the score tight, trading points with Wheeling (25-9, 12-2 MEC) through five ties and three lead changes. Despite an impressive team effort, the Golden Eagles narrowly lost 23-25. Emma Shepherd led the offensive charge in the first set, contributing key kills to keep Charleston in the game.

The second set saw Charleston struggle to maintain its attacking efficiency, as they posted a .042 hitting percentage compared to their .231 in the first. Still, Patrycja Majos and Pia Selke delivered strong performances, each tallying several kills to lead the offense.

In the final set, the Golden Eagles regrouped and improved their hitting percentage to .242 but could not overcome Wheeling's momentum. Shepherd again led the way, finishing the match with a team-high 11 kills and 11.5 points. Majos followed closely, recording seven kills and contributing on defense with two digs. Selke chipped in six kills and three blocks.

Defensively, Abby Avila anchored the team with 15 assists and six digs, while Chloe Fortner added six digs of her own.

The loss ends a strong season for Charleston, who finished with a 25-8 record and secured second place in the MEC South Division.